Kathmandu Model College(KMC) has concluded a panel discussion on the pressing issues of business ethics and corporate governance in Nepal.
Leading figures from government, academia, and private industry, along with approximately 100 students and faculty, convened for a discussion program aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world industrial practice.
The discussion featured a distinguished panel including Bhim Prasad Bhattarai, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Prof. Dr. Bal Ram Chapagain, Assistant Dean of Tribhuvan University, and Shanta Baskota Koirala, a representative from the Kanchanjunga Tea Estate. The session was moderated by Dilip Bista.
Under Secretary Bhattarai outlined the government's current policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stressed the need for modernization. He called for new initiatives, including an industrial facilitation policy, a digital firm registration system, a dedicated startup platform, and improved investment mechanisms to facilitate easier entry into the industrial sector for entrepreneurs.
Offering an academic perspective, Dr. Chapagain observed that in the Nepali context, profitability and corporate social responsibility are often intertwined rather than separate objectives. He argued for a more strategic and planned approach to implementing social responsibility initiatives for greater impact.
Shanta Baskota Koirala provided a firsthand account from the private sector, sharing her experiences with sustainable, organic tea farming and navigating the complexities of foreign exports. While highlighting her successes, she also voiced a common frustration among entrepreneurs, noting that a "lack of formal government support for small and medium-sized businesses leads to disappointment."
The panel discussion followed a series of "Live Project" presentations by seventh-semester BBA and BBM students, who shared findings from their recent visits to various companies.
According to Shailaja Kasaju, Manager of the college's Incubation Center, the event was organized to inspire innovation. She shared, "We host programs like this to encourage our students to think critically about the business world they are preparing to enter and to drive innovation."
